You are a spider, a real one. That is the simple premiss brought you by Spider, The Secret of Bryce Manor.

The loading time is more than reasonable. A new Adventure starts right away. Along with it the in-game tutorial explains how to play. In no time you will be making your first web and eating some bugs.

Unfortunately the game does not resume your on-going progress. You have to restart the last level in case you had to exit the game in a middle of a bug hunting. It is not that bad but it is not the ideal scenario either.

Gameplay

Although the main goal of Spider is rather simple - you have to eat bugs in oder to advance through levels - the game mechanic gives you the most notable spider abilities such as walk everywhere, jump, make and crawl webs.

The controls work very well and they are easy to learn. Tap and hold to walk. Swipe to jump. Tap the spider to start a web that will be done as soon as you form a geometric shape.

Once you eat some bugs a portal appears so you can go to the next level. The interesting feature here is that before you start the upcoming level the game shows the current level overview, including bugs, so you have a chance to go back and e.g. eat more bugs to reach a higher score.

Along with four game modes (there is no difficulty levels by the way) the game has 28 unique levels, different bugs and 24 achievements. To help the replay value the game provides a complete statistics and you will be able to compete online for a high score in all game modes. It is a very complete online board.

Graphics

The graphics are polished. The hand illustrated backgrounds are impressive and detailed. There is a visible artistic touch that makes the game very enjoyable to play. From the game icon to the game Help everything feels right.

In addition, the interface is well designed. All game features are easy to reach and understand. It surely has a professional approach.

Sound

Sounds are subtle and match the overall style. The game background music is good.

Finally, iPOD music is supported along with game sounds. Yes!

Pros

Polished graphicsSmooth animationsSubtle soundsGood background musicSpotted on controlsiPOD music along with game soundsIt supports both landscape orientationsLocal and online high scoreFacebook integration

Cons

It partially supports resume (you have to restart the last level)

Conclusion

The game production is above average specially if you consider the low price tag and the reasonable content well put together. In addition, it provides an unique gameplay and concept - you are a spider! - with really good controls.

Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):

Graphics: -5- detailed illustrationsSound: -5- subtle sounds, good music and iPOD supportControls: -5- they work very well Gameplay: -4- unique but it may became repetitive

Playing Hints and Tips:

-Eat bugs as much as possible because as soon as you leave a web the multiplier is reset-To start a web tap the spider (don?t just touch it)-When you exit a level you can go back to eat more bugs